The visa facilitation agreement aims to facilitate mutual travel, promote international contacts and tourism, and build trust and mutual understanding among peoples. Visa statistics show the growing importance of EU-Belarus relations. In 2019, the number of Schengen visa applications in Belarus reached nearly 650,000. The conclusion of an agreement on the facilitation of visa issuance is an important step in relations between our peoples and will help strengthen our economic, cultural and scientific relations. MINSK, July 1 (BelTA) – Agreements on visa facilitation and readmission between Belarus and the European Union came into force on July 1, BelTA reports. The EU-Belarus visa facilitation and readmission agreements come into force today. These agreements are an important step in strengthening the EU`s commitment to the people and civil society of Belarus. They will pave the way for better mobility of citizens travelling to the EU from Belarus and help to strengthen ties between Belarus and the EU. As soon as the readmission agreement comes into force, Belarus and the European Union must return to see their own citizens, third-country and stateless nationals who do not meet or no longer meet the legal residence requirements of the other country. The document provides for a transitional period of two years for the readmission of third-country nationals. The joint declaration attached to the readmission agreement commits the European Union to provide technical and financial assistance to Belarus in this area. Several groups of Belarusian nationals can apply for multiple-entry visas with a longer validity period (up to five years). The agreement simplifies the documentation that must be provided by certain categories of citizens.
« These agreements will improve mobility in a well-managed and safe environment. Once restrictions on coronavirus-related travel are eased, it will be easier for Belarusian citizens to enter the EU. This means closer ties and closer exchanges between our people and societies. In accordance with the agreement on the facilitation of the issuance of visas, the cost of a short-term Schengen visa for Belarusians has fallen to 35 euros. The agreement also provides for the possibility of waiving visa fees for certain categories of applicants. In addition, the maximum fees charged by visa application centres to facilitate visa procedures have also been reduced, as has the period during which consulates should process visa applications. The visa facilitation agreement makes it easier for Belarusian citizens to obtain short-term visas for the European Union, with visa fees generally reduced to 35 euros and abolished for certain categories of travellers.